Luke Tibbetts accused released after admitting guilt

A man accused of pointing a firearm that led to the shooting that left three-year-old Luke Tibbetts dead has been released after admitting guilt and paying a fine.

Gauteng Police Warrant Officer Gordon Billing today said Keenan Mokwena (28) was sentenced to 12 months in jail or a R3 000 fine at the Newlands Magistrates’ Court in Sophiatown, Joburg, last Friday.

He opted to pay the fine and was released.

During his testimony in August, Sergeant Diedelof Fourie told the court that Mokwena and Lindray Khakhu (24), accused of shooting Tibbetts, had an argument on the day of the shooting in Westbury, Joburg.

“He [Mokwena] left and came back with a firearm which he pointed at him [Khakhu]”, said Fourie.

Khakhu allegedly retaliated and fired shots at Mokwena, who was driving a vehicle at the time. A stray bullet hit Tibbetts, who was travelling with his mother in a passing car.

He died in hospital on August 8 after being on life-support machines.

Mokwena was shot in his right arm during the incident. He was taken to a hospital, treated and discharged.

Fourie said Mokwena did not have a licence for the firearm and was unable to recover the firearm that he used in the shooting.

However, Mokwena’s lawyer, Omphile Kedijang, said Mokwena had been cooperative with police on the matter and had brought himself in, as well as the vehicle that was shot at during the incident.

Meanwhile, Khakhu’s trial was expected to start on March 2.

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